Search Results (260)

Background/Objective: Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a naturally occurring bioactive compound derived from the leaves, bark, roots, and flowers of the Chinese medicinal plant Cinnamomum cassia. It exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, encompassing antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Notably, it has shown potential therapeutic benefits in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ochratoxin A (OTA), a common contaminant found in foods such as cereals, coffee, and raisins, is also present in traditional Chinese medicinal materials, including Astragalus and liquorice. T2DM and NAFLD share intertwined pathophysiological pathways, including insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, with insulin resistance serving as the common pathological hub for both conditions. Consequently, they frequently co-occur and exacerbate each other. OTA exerts dual-targeted toxicity to the pancreas and liver, which may synergistically drive the development of the comorbidity of T2DM and NAFLD. These two processes are mutually causal and together constitute the pathological basis of metabolic comorbidity. Methods: Network toxicology employs toxicological data, gene expression, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks to predict the targets of toxins, while network pharmacology, based on systems biology principles, reveals how drugs exert regulatory effects through multiple targets and pathways. In this study, we employed an integrated network toxicology and network pharmacology approach to jointly decipher the potential mechanisms by which CA intervenes in OTA-induced comorbid T2DM-NAFLD. First, a network toxicology approach was employed to preliminarily screen for core toxicological targets responsible for OTA’s pathogenicity. Subsequently, network pharmacology was used to identify potential targets of CA-mediated intervention in the disease. Finally, the common overlap among the CA intervention targets, OTA toxicity targets, and disease targets was defined as the final set of potential targets for CA-mediated intervention in OTA-induced T2DM-NAFLD comorbidity. A PPI network was constructed using the STRING database, and topological analysis was performed with Cytoscape. Core targets were selected using the median values of six parameters—betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, degree centrality, eigenvector centrality, LAC (local average connectivity) score, and network centrality—as cut-off thresholds, and the top 10 key genes were further identified using the cytoHubba plugin. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted via the DAVID database, and the results were visualized on the CNSknowall platform. Lastly, molecular docking of the core targets was performed using the CB-DOCK2 platform to validate binding affinity. Results: Based on an integrated analysis of network toxicology, network pharmacology, and molecular docking, 10 key targets were systematically identified. These may serve as potential mediators of cinnamaldehyde in the treatment of OTA-induced T2DM-NAFLD comorbidity. Among these, six targets—albumin (ALB), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), actin beta (ACTB), and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1)—possess crystal structures amenable to molecular docking. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that CA and OTA jointly participate in key pathological processes such as the cancer pathway, the lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, the advanced glycation end-products–receptor for advanced glycation end-products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and the interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway. OTA exacerbates inflammatory responses, impairs insulin signaling, promotes hepatic steatosis, and disrupts systemic metabolic homeostasis, ultimately contributing to T2DM-NAFLD comorbidity. Conversely, cinnamaldehyde counteracts these pathological processes through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby restoring metabolic homeostasis. Conclusions: This study has preliminarily identified the toxicological targets of OTA and the potential intervention targets of CA, offering new avenues for preventing and intervening in OTA-induced metabolic toxicity. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical basis for CA as a potential multi-target therapeutic agent and presents novel insights worthy of further investigation into the prevention of T2DM-NAFLD comorbidity. Full article

Cutin matrices in the cuticle cover plant epidermis, facilitating plant adaptation to stressful environments. Although cutin biosynthesis is extensively explored in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the molecular mechanism governing cutin biosynthesis in the agriculturally important crop bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remains largely unknown. The aim of the study is the characterization of the function and transcriptional regulation of a wheat gene involved in cutin biosynthesis. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase TaLACS2 was identified as an essential component of the wheat cutin biosynthetic machinery. Silencing of the wheat TaLACS2 gene by barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing assay resulted in remarkably reduced cutin accumulation and increased cuticle permeability. Furthermore, wheat GT-1-like transcription factor TaGT-3b was identified as a positive regulator of cutin biosynthesis. Silencing of the wheat TaGT-3b gene led to significantly decreased cutin accumulation and enhanced cuticle permeability. Importantly, we found that TaGT-3b could occupy the promoter regions of the TaLACS2 gene and that it functions as a transcriptional activator to activate TaLACS2 gene transcription. Collectively, these results elucidated that wheat GT-1-like transcription factor TaGT-3b boosts cutin biosynthesis, probably by activating TaLACS2 gene transcription, contributing to genetically improving cutin-associated traits in bread wheat. Full article

Sorghum seeds accumulate substantial amounts of condensed tannins (CTs), which are also referred to as proanthocyanidins (PAs), contributing to their characteristic astringent taste. Flavan-3-ol polymers, known as PAs, are sequestered within plant vacuoles and become catalytically activated via laccase enzymes. However, the biological roles and regulatory pathways of laccases in sorghum are still largely unclear. Here, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of developing sorghum seeds identified 7942 differentially expressed genes between low- and high-CT lines, with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealing flavonoid biosynthesis as a key pathway; weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further pinpointed SbLAC14 as a hub gene within the module most strongly correlated with CT content. We then examined its regulation by microRNA397 (SbmiR397-5p). Dual-luciferase assays confirmed the binding of SbmiR397-5p to SbLAC14 in co-transformed tobacco leaves. Overexpressing SbLAC14 in transgenic Arabidopsis significantly increased CT accumulation while decreasing catechin and epicatechin levels. Furthermore, transgenic plants overexpressing miR397 (OEmiR397-5p) exhibited reduced CT content, accompanied by a lightening of seed color. Conversely, transgenic lines overexpressing a miR397-insensitive laccase transcript exhibited a reversed phenotypic outcome. Our findings indicate that SbmiR397-5p negatively regulates the expression of SbLAC14 in relation to CT biosynthesis, identifying it as a potential target for manipulating CT metabolism in sorghum. Those results provide a genetic entry point for metabolic engineering and breeding efforts aimed at modulating grain phenolic profiles. Full article

Sapindus mukorossi, known as soapberry, is a multipurpose woody species with oil-rich kernels and saponin-rich pulp, and its kernel oil and pulp saponins have important applications in oleochemicals, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. However, the mechanism by which carbohydrate-derived carbon is differentially allocated to kernel oil biosynthesis and pulp saponin biosynthesis within the same fruit remains unclear. In this study, we integrated morphological, physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the developmental accumulation patterns of oil and saponins and their relationship with carbohydrate metabolism in S. mukorossi fruit. The fruit reached maturity at approximately 130 days after flowering and was divided into four developmental stages: slow growth, rapid expansion, color transition, and maturation. Kernel oil accumulated in a typical S-shaped pattern and increased rapidly during the middle-to-late developmental stages, whereas pulp saponins increased continuously before maturity and remained stable. At maturity, soluble sugars mainly accumulated in the pulp, while starch was relatively enriched in the kernels, indicating different carbohydrate storage and utilization patterns between the two tissues. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed tissue-specific metabolic regulation: lipid metabolism was preferentially enriched in kernels, whereas terpenoid and secondary metabolic pathways were more active in pulp. Several genes related to fatty acid assembly and oil accumulation, including SmACC, SmLACS, SmGPAT, and SmLPAT, showed kernel-biased expression, while genes involved in the mevalonate (MVA)-dependent triterpenoid saponin pathway, including SmACCT, SmMVK, SmIDI, SmSQE, and SmLUP2, were closely associated with pulp saponin accumulation. Hormone-related transcription factors, such as GRAS and BES1 in kernels and MYC2 in pulp, may contribute to the coordination between carbohydrate metabolism and oil or saponin biosynthesis. Overall, these findings suggest that oil and saponin accumulation in S. mukorossi fruit are regulated by distinct tissue-specific metabolic programs closely linked to carbohydrate metabolism. This study provides new insights into carbon allocation between kernel oil and pulp saponin biosynthesis and identifies candidate pathways and genes for the genetic improvement and resource utilization of S. mukorossi. Full article

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2, LAC) are copper-containing glycoproteins involved in lignin biosynthesis, and as such, they play important roles in plant development and stress responses. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of the LAC gene family was performed in Pinus massoniana (Chinese red pine), identifying 78 PmaLAC genes, all predicted to encode cell membrane-localized proteins. These genes were unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes, with notable clusters on chromosomes 7 and 8, indicating gene duplication-driven expansion in P. massoniana. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PmaLAC genes are classified into five subfamilies, reflecting the lineage-specific expansion and evolutionary divergence of gymnosperm LAC genes. Conserved motif and gene structure analyses showed high conservation among PmaLAC proteins. Promoter analysis identified numerous cis-acting elements related to hormone signaling, stress, and light responses. RNA-seq analysis revealed distinct tissue-specific expression patterns for PmaLAC gene family members. Moreover, degradome analysis combined with dual-luciferase assays supported the interaction between miR397c-9 and PmaLAC31, suggesting that miR397c-9 negatively regulates PmaLAC31 and indicating a potentially conserved miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism. Overall, this study provides a systematic overview of the composition, evolution, and potential regulation mechanisms of the PmaLAC gene family in P. massoniana, providing a useful resource for future functional characterization of PmaLAC genes. Full article

Cuticular wax mixtures are the major components of the lipophilic cuticle coating of plant aerial organs during primary growth and they protect plants from environmental stresses. Decoding cuticular wax biosynthesis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) could contribute to the genetic improvement of this agriculturally important crop. Herein, we revealed that the wheat MYB46-like transcription factor TaMYB46 positively regulates cuticular wax by activating transcription of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (TaLACS1) gene. Knockdown of the wheat TaMYB46 gene resulted in significantly reduced cuticular wax loads and increased permeability of the wheat leaf cuticle. Furthermore, wheat long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase TaLACS1 was identified as a core component of the cuticular lipid biosynthetic machinery. Knockdown of the TaLACS1 gene led to reduced cuticular wax accumulation and increased leaf cuticle permeability. Moreover, the transcription factor TaMYB46 was found to enrich at the TaLACS1 promoter regions and activate TaLACS1 gene transcription. These findings collectively support the conclusion that the transcription factor TaMYB46 stimulates cuticular wax biosynthesis, likely by activating TaLACS1 transcription. Full article

Phosphorus (P) plays a crucial role in the translocation and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in plants; however, its effects on Cd transport via the apoplastic pathway remain unclear. In this study, Salix caprea was used to systematically investigate the regulatory roles of P on apoplastic barrier deposition (casparian strips and suberin lamellae), apoplastic Cd transport, and Cd accumulation through an integrated approach combining physiological, biochemical, anatomical, and transcriptomic analyses. The results showed that under Cd stress, P-deficient conditions accelerated the development of apoplastic barriers, with the initiation of casparian strips and suberin lamellae occurring 0.5% and 5% closer to the root tip, respectively, compared with P-sufficient conditions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further revealed that P deficiency significantly increased the thickness of endodermal cell walls by 37.2% relative to P sufficiency when exposed to Cd stress. Moreover, root lignin content and the activities of lignin- and suberin-related enzymes (POD and PAL) were significantly higher under P deficiency. Transcriptome analysis indicated that under Cd stress, P deficiency markedly upregulated genes involved in lignin and suberin monomer biosynthesis (PAL, POD, KCS20, LACS), as well as casparian strip polymerization (CASP, MYB36). In addition, under P-deficient conditions, the net Cd²⁺ flux at the root tip was reduced by 21.3%, and the 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid trisodium salt (PTS, a tracer for the apoplastic pathway) concentration in leaves decreased by 36.3%, further confirming that P deficiency limits Cd transport via the apoplastic route. This may explain why, under P-deficient conditions, Cd concentrations in leaves and shoots were significantly reduced by 48.7% and 63%, respectively, compared with P-sufficient conditions. This study provides new insights into improving phytoremediation efficiency for extreme heavy metal pollution by P application. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a globally prevalent hepatic disorder, characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation and extrahepatic complications, notably intestinal barrier injury, which further exacerbates MASLD progression. The “gut–liver axis” has been identified as a critical contributor to MASLD development, with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) serving as a pivotal coupling factor of this axis. However, the specific role and molecular mechanism by which IGF-1 modulates intestinal barrier function in the context of MASLD remains unclear. Methods: This study analyzed the correlations between the GH/IGF-1 axis and intestinal barrier function in MASLD rats, and explored the effects of IGF-1 intervention both in vivo and in vitro. Results: Our results showed that MASLD rats exhibited intestinal barrier impairment, characterized by elevated serum Diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-Lactate (D-LAC) levels, villus damage, and downregulation of tight junction proteins and Mucin (MUC2). These changes were accompanied by suppression of the GH/IGF-1 axis. Correlation analysis uncovered a negative association between IGF-1 levels and markers of barrier dysfunction. IGF-1 intervention effectively repaired the intestinal barrier structure of MASLD rats and significantly upregulated the expressions of IGF-1R, PI3K, and AKT. In vitro, IGF-1 treatment improved transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), enhanced barrier-related gene expression, promoted cell proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis. Conclusions: These findings suggested that GH/IGF-1 axis suppression, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT signaling were interconnected within the gut–liver axis in MASLD. IGF-1 may contribute to barrier regulation through associated signaling changes, highlighting the GH/IGF-1 axis as a potential complementary target. Full article

Background/Objectives: At present, there are only a few studies on characteristic changes in polyphenols and cell wall polysaccharides and their correlations in Z. mioga flower buds during development. Methods: Polyphenols were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Content and enzyme activities of cell wall components were examined using a microplate reader. Expression of genes related to these components was detected using de novo-Seq. Results: Most polyphenols accumulated significantly, with the highest levels being found in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and epicatechin. PCA results show that changes in polyphenols were largely dependent on the germination and ripening stage, which might represent its specific period. Additionally, the increased flavonoid and anthocyanin fractions might be due to the up-regulated expression of DFR1/2, ANS and BZl. During development, PME, PG and β-galactosidase synergistically break down protopectin to soluble pectin; PME coordinates with cellulase in cellulose degradation, while xylanase dominates hemicellulose degradation. Lac collaborated with PME, PG and cellulase to regulate lignin synthesis. Key upregulated genes driving cell wall polysaccharide alterations include PME35, PG and GAUT7 for pectin metabolism, CESA2/3 for cellulose synthesis, and Lac25, POD6/7/47/52 and CCR6 for lignin synthesis. Correlation analysis revealed that the synergistic effects of p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, protopectin, pectin, lignin and cellulose might be responsible for the sensory quality formation in Z. mioga. Conclusions: This study further investigates the binding mode of polyphenols and cell wall polysaccharides, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the development of sensory qualities in Z. mioga flower buds during growth and maturation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The significant negative correlation between protein and oil content in soybean seeds is a long-standing bottleneck for conventional breeding. Its root cause lies in insufficient understanding of related molecular regulatory processes. Methods: We selected the CSSL_R19, a chromosome segment substitution line, to thoroughly investigate the intrinsic effects of the substituted segment on the high seed storage protein (SSP) and low fatty acid (FA) phenotype. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses were performed on the recurrent parent and R19. Results: A total of 1821 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 12 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), and 10 differentially accumulated metabolites (DEMs) were detected. Subsequently, an integrative examination of the data demonstrated that 28 DEGs, 5 DEPs, and 4 DEMs participated in biological processes such as carbohydrate metabolism, lipid degradation, as well as protein synthesis and transport. Mechanistically, down-regulation of PGM reduces the carbon source supply for FA synthesis; up-regulation of LOX, LACS, ACX, and KAT promotes FA degradation. SRP, SAR1, and HSP70 are involved in the synthesis and transport of SSP. Crucially, qRT-PCR validation performed on all 28 core DEGs showed that their expression trends were highly consistent with the transcriptome data, confirming the reliability of the findings. Conclusions: In conclusion, we propose a potential regulatory network that enhances SSP accumulation and reduces FA content. Altogether, these findings advance our understanding of storage compound accumulation in soybeans and guide future breeding strategies. Full article

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a destructive trunk-boring pest of palm plants and exhibits marked polymorphism in adult speckle patterns. This study investigated the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying speckle variation in R. ferrugineus with the aim of identifying key regulatory genes. Integrated genetic analyses and genome-wide association approaches were used to characterize the inheritance and genomic architecture of speckle traits. Pronotum speckle variation was identified as a sex-independent quantitative trait controlled by major loci with additive and dominance effects. Multiple loci and significant quantitative trait nucleotides associated with speckle variation were identified through linkage mapping and association analyses. By integrating genetic mapping results with bioinformatics annotation, three candidate genes, RferTRXR1, RferGH1, and RferLAC2, were identified. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that RferTRXR1 and RferGH1 were more highly expressed in individuals with higher speckle numbers. These findings highlight RferTRXR1 and RferGH1 as potential regulators of speckle pattern variation in R. ferrugineus and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic polymorphism in an important palm pest. Full article

Low-temperature stress profoundly impairs rice root physiology and reshapes rhizosphere microbial communities. This 2023–2024 study examined its effects on Oryza sativa var. japonica across key growth stages. All treatments significantly suppressed root morphology and function, with the greatest reductions under combined tillering–booting stress (T3), followed by tillering (T1) and booting (T2). Strain DN428 exhibited a stronger cold tolerance than SJ10, with milder declines in root traits. Low-temperature stress elevated soil organic matter and total nitrogen while decreasing available phosphorus and potassium, leading to notable shifts in the microbial community structure and metabolic pathways. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis identified lacZ, fucK, and rafA in the MEbrown module as potential regulators of varietal cold responses. Mechanistically, yield loss in DN428 was mainly linked to the suppression of microbial gene expression, while in SJ10 it was associated with broader declines in microbial diversity and functional potential. Both varieties experienced yield reductions, accompanied by decreased root activity and nitrogen uptake. These findings underscore the necessity of a “gene–microbe–function” strategy to enhance microbial metabolism and optimize root–soil interactions under cold stress. Full article

Soybean seed quality is defined by an inverse relationship between oil and protein content. Understanding the spatiotemporal regulation of this trade-off is crucial for breeding. This study aims to dissect the transcriptomic networks governing carbon and nitrogen partitioning during seed development. Here, transcriptomic and co-expression network analyses were performed on cotyledon and seedcoat tissues of high-protein (HP) and low-protein (LP) soybean cultivars across three seed developmental stages. We identified 4910 HP/LP-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with striking transcriptional alterations in the early developmental stage. Notably, some important DEGs were enriched in carbon/lipid metabolism, protein folding, and hormone/circadian signaling pathways, among which key gene families (e.g., OLEs, SWEETs, HSPs), core regulators (e.g., LACS, L1L, ABF1), and QTL-localized candidate genes (e.g., FA9) were characterized. Mechanistically, C/VIF1-mediated post-translational inhibition of CWINV1 may restrict carbon flux to oil synthesis in HP seeds; upstream circadian/hormone signaling and L1L-sHSPs jointly promote protein deposition, uncoupling the oil–protein trade-off and enabling HP trait formation. In contrast, LP cultivars upregulated SWEETs, OLEs, and LTPs to facilitate high carbon flux into lipid biosynthesis and storage. These findings provide valuable genetic targets for precision breeding programs aimed at optimizing resource allocation. Full article

Membrane lipid remodeling plays a pivotal role in regulating plant growth, reproductive development, and adaptive responses to environmental stress. However, several lipid-modifying enzymes remain uncharacterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we provide the first comprehensive in silico functional characterization of the unannotated gene AT5G35460, integrating domain architecture, AlphaFold-supported structural validation, and phylogenetic, expression, and regulatory analyses. Domain architecture and conserved DUF2838 signatures, together with transmembrane topology and validation using AlphaFold-predicted structural data, support its identity as a glycerophosphocholine acyltransferase (GPCAT1). Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that GPCAT1 clustered closely with its orthologs of major angiosperms, suggesting deep evolutionary preservation. Expression profiling revealed over a tenfold higher transcript abundance in mature pollen, detected 6–8 times more than during leaf senescence, indicating strong developmental control. Co-expression network analysis revealed links to the lipid metabolism genes (CDS2, LACS8, and SBH1) as well as factors involved in response to stress, indicating that AT5G35460 may act at the level of phosphatidylcholine remodeling, membrane resistance and stress response. Analysis of the promoter sequences showed AACTAAA, ABRE and G-box elements (pollen-specific, ABA-responsive and stress-inducible motif respectively), suggesting appropriate transcriptional regulation consistent with its expression profile. As a whole, the findings revealed that AT5G35460 is an unexplored membrane-localized acyltransferase involved in lipid maintenance during reproductive development and environmental responses. This study serves as a basis for subsequent functional characterization and identifies AT5G35460 as a potential target for modifying pollen viability, senescence kinetics and stress tolerance in plants. Full article

Maintaining stable male sterility is fundamental for ensuring the genetic purity and productivity of two-line hybrid wheat. However, unexpected heat events during the fertility-sensitive period can induce fertility restoration in photo-thermo-sensitive male sterile (PTMS) lines, posing a major threat to hybrid seed production. In this study, we identified two BS-type PTMS lines, BS166 and BS192, that consistently maintained sterility under heat stress in a seed-production environment, indicating strong heat-tolerant sterility. To uncover the molecular basis underlying this stability, we compared four BS-type PTMS lines exhibiting contrasting heat responses through field assessments, controlled heat treatments, transcriptome sequencing, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 19,105 differentially expressed genes were identified, with the bisque4 module showing a significant correlation with seed setting rate. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that starch and sucrose metabolism, cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were highly associated with heat-tolerant sterility. Core genes within these pathways displayed transcriptional stability in BS166 and BS192 but were strongly induced in heat-sensitive lines. In situ hybridization and RT-qPCR further confirmed tapetum-specific expression of TaBGLU32 and TaLACS1. Based on these findings, we propose a regulatory model explaining how PTMS lines maintain sterility stability under heat stress. Full article